Henman calls time on long reign

Matt Henman won't popping us as the manager of another club any time soon after calling time on his nine year reign at Ryman North Dereham Town.

The Magpies announced on Tuesday that Henman, who guided the club to promotion from the Eastern Counties Premier Division in 2013 and two Norfolk Senior Cup successes in 2011 and 2016, was stepping down after Saturday's final fixture of the season against Tilbury at Aldiss Park.

In a short statement on Twitter confirming the imminent departure of their manager, pictured, the Norfolk club said they expected to confirm their succession plans within days after Henman completes the job at the weekend of securing their Ryman League status for another season after guiding them to the safety of a mid-table finish to the campaign.

The Magpies said: "Matt Henman has informed the club that he is stepping down from his managerial role at the end of this season. Whilst we respect his decision, we are obviously sad to see him leave as he has been a vital part of the club's success in recent years. The club will be making decisions about Matt's successor over the next few days."

Dereham Town

Henman told fans via edp24.co.uk that he won’t be "jumping into anything else” and is looking forward to a break from Non-League despite taking the decision with a heavy heart.

“I’ve got no special plans football-wise at all – I’m not going to jump into something else,” said Henman, who will continue in his role as an academy coaching tutor at the Dereham Education and Soccer Academy, the partnership the club runs with Dereham Sixth Form College.

“I want to be able to spend more time with my family and it’s the right time to allow myself to do that. As a manager at this level you never get a break. Even in the summer you’re sorting out your squad for next season, negotiating player contracts, pre-season friendlies, travel for next season, etc."

He added: “You have always got to be sure you go into each season with the same energy and motivation. I just think after nine years, 12 if you include my time at King’s Lynn, that it’s time for a break.”